Population growth leads to fear over pressure on services

ABOVE average crime levels are among a list of challenges faced in South Derbyshire, according to a report which reveals the region will grow by a third by 2035.

The region’s population is expected to grow from 94,915 to 123,000 by 2035 – almost double the rate of other Derbyshire districts.

The prediction has led to fears about pressure on health services, schools, transport and community facilities in the district.

The findings have been published in a report due to go before Derbyshire County Council’s South Derbyshire Locality group.

It said: “The significant growth is seen as a positive but there is risk that pressure will be place on all services.

“Health in South Derbyshire is similar to England averages.

“However, some communities are living with poorer health outcomes compared to others in the district.”

A spokesman from the county council said extra money will be earmarked to combat the challenges.

The spokesman said: “People living in South Derbyshire are on the whole healthy – and crime in the area is low.

“But when you look at the statistics on a division by division basis then in some areas there are issues - for example in Swadlincote North the rate of under 18 conceptions is higher than the Derbyshire average.

“By looking at the issues in close detail we will be able to decide where to spend the extra money we have so that it has most effect.”

A spokesman from South Derbyshire District Council said all crime had fallen by 9.6 per cent since 2012.

The spokesman said: “Different people and organisations working together have ensured that crime and anti-social behaviour is very low.”

Linton

l Life expectancy: 76 years for men (79 years is Derbyshire average) and 81 years for women (83 years in Derbyshire average).

Swadlincote Central

l Violent crime rate: 11 per 1,000 in 2012 (Derbyshire average was 8 per 1,000).

l Higher than county average for alcohol-specific conditions for under-18s.

Swadlincote North

l Higher than county average levels of deprivation.

l Higher than county average of free school meal eligibility.

Swadlincote South

l Higher than county average for primary school absenteeism.

l Higher than county average for antisocial crime; violent crime and rates of total crime.